The Honeymoon Guide to Ohakune

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Romantic Adventure Activities

Ohakune certainly offers something special for couples who love to adventure together, with some of the North Island’s top adventure experiences like the Tongariro Crossing and the Whanganui Journey right on its doorstep.

Starting with the Tongariro Crossing, this is a full-day hike which many agree is a must-do in New Zealand. Traverse over volcanic mountains to see waterfalls, forest, volcanic plateaus, steaming vents and colourful lakes. You’ll feel epic once you’ve accomplished this 19.2km (11.9-mile) journey together. Tackle it independently following the advice in A Guided Hike of the Tongariro Crossing or enjoy a fully guided hike with Adrift Tongariro. Find out more about Adrift Tongariro on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Is a one-day hike not enough? How about a multi-day adventure by canoe? Ohakune is the closest large town to the New Zealand Great Walk the Whanganui Journey. Couples must work together to paddle along this breathtakingly beautiful and historical river with waterfalls, caves and the famous Bridge to Nowhere. Companies like Canoe Safaris, Adrift Tongariro and Whanganui River Canoes can organise the logistics from Ohakune. Learn more in The Guide to the Whanganui Journey.

And what could be more romantic than watching your loved one riding a majestic steed to the backdrop of Mt Ruapehu? There is a couple of excellent horse riding stables near Ohakune, such as Ruapehu Homestead Horsetrekking and Mellonsfolly Ranch/Old West Town both offering scenic treks for all abilities.

For more adventures for couples, see the 7 Romantic Activities in Ohakune for Couples.

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Romantic All-weather Activities

Admittedly, Ohakune is much more outdoorsy than a place for romantic indoor experiences. However, there is one way for couples to enjoy a romantic experience without having to brave the elements.

Indulge in a couple’s massage at Barefoot Beauty, Ohakune’s most comprehensive spa. Share this sensual experience together with one of the couples’ therapies the spa offers, which feels all the more blissful after some of the active experiences Ohakune is known for. Otherwise, many of the accommodations we list in our 10 Best Romantic Accommodation in Ohakune offer spa pools for couples to enjoy.

For more rainy day ideas, check out the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune on a Rainy Day.

© Visit Ruapehu

Romantic Restaurants in Ohakune

Ohakune might be a small town but it’s still worth treating your loved one to a romantic night out. There are two parts of town with restaurants to choose from: the town centre or The Junction.

When you think of romance, of course, you think of Italy! Take your loved one to Osteria (73 Clyde Street) featuring fantastic sharing boards, authentic Insalata, pizzas, pasta, risotto and much more – all of this in a romantic Mediterranean-style setting. A similar vibe can also be found in The Junction part of town at La Pizzeria & Cafe (6 Thames Street) serving wood-fired pizzas – get in early at this extremely popular joint in winter.

For classic European and New Zealand cuisine, check out The Cyprus Tree (77 Clyde Street) or Industry Bar and Grill (55 Clyde Street) both offer a variety of well-presented meat dishes and extensive beer and wine menus to enjoy in front of a cosy fireplace.